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The following is issued on behalf of the Equestrian Company:
Elsie Leung, Chairman of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Equestrian Events Hong Kong Fund today (March 10) made a surprise visit to a group of 124 Core Volunteers undergoing residential training in Sai Kung.
The Fund is set up under the Secretary for Home Affairs Incorporation Ordinance. It is to raise funds to support cultural, education and community involvement activities relating to the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events and to encourage community participation in the Events.
A total of 1,800 Volunteers are recruited to help run the Equestrian Events in 2008 and the Test Event in August this year a smooth operation.
The Core Volunteers were the second batch of a total of 200 "leader-volunteers" undergoing training in Po Leung Kuk Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp.
During her visit, Ms Leung told the volunteers that as the first point of contact with the visitors during games time, they would have to display dynamics, friendship and efficiency; and Hong Kong would be proud of them.
They would need to welcome visitors of all nationalities as Hong Kong was a cosmopolitan city, Ms Leung added.
Ms Leung also thanked the training team ― David Riordan, Peter Holden, Helen Kebby and Stuart Tinney ― who had all come specifically from Australia to help run the three-day residential training camp.
Mr Tinney won a gold medal in the three-day Team Event at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Ms Leung was presented with a set of five "smile wristlets" by three volunteers which signify the five Olympic rings and the Volunteers' friendship.
Ends/Saturday, March 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:15
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